Is Anybody Watching Me? Effects of Information About Evaluators on Applicants' Use of Impression Management in Asynchronous Video Interviews

Abstract

Asynchronous video interviews (AVIs) are widely used in hiring, but the lack of social presence (e.g., uncertainty about the identity of evaluators) may hinder effective impression management (IM) for applicants. This study examined whether providing information about evaluators facilitates applicant IM use in AVIs, specifically ingratiation or self-promotion. It also explored the experience involved in applicants' response generation. In a mock AVI, 160 participants were randomly assigned to one of two conditions (with or without information about the evaluator). They reported their thoughts after watching their interview recordings. Providing information about the evaluator enhanced ingratiation but did not affect self-promotion. Qualitative analyses revealed that participants with evaluator information were more likely to reference organizational values and align themselves with the evaluator, whereas those without it concentrated more on demonstrating their job-relevant skills. Participants' reported thoughts and emotions suggested that formulating suitable answers and interacting with a computer represent major concerns.